Translation guide
The concept of subordination in Japanese is expressed through various grammatical structures that link clauses, showing relationships like cause, condition, time, and concession. Unlike English, Japanese relies heavily on conjunctions, particles, and verb forms to indicate subordination.
Expressing that one clause is subordinate to another, often indicating reason, time, condition, etc.
The te-form is the most common way to link clauses, often implying a sequential or causal relationship. It can express subordination in a loose sense.
朝起きて、顔を洗った。
I woke up in the morning and washed my face.
Indicates a reason or cause, similar to 'because'. The subordinate clause comes before から.
雨が降ったから、試合は中止になった。
Because it rained, the game was canceled.
Similar to から but slightly more formal or objective. Used for reason/cause.
電車が遅れたので、遅刻しました。
Because the train was late, I was late.
Used to connect contrasting clauses, similar to 'but' or 'although'. The first clause is subordinate.
日本語は難しいですが、面白いです。
Japanese is difficult, but it's interesting.
Expresses 'although' or 'despite', often with a sense of regret or unexpectedness. Stronger than が.
たくさん勉強したのに、試験に落ちた。
Although I studied a lot, I failed the exam.
Expressing that one action occurs before, after, or at the same time as another.
Means 'when'. The clause before とき is subordinate and describes the time.
日本に行ったとき、富士山を見た。
When I went to Japan, I saw Mt. Fuji.
Often used for 'when' or 'after' in a conditional/temporal sense. The subordinate clause sets the condition.
家に帰ったら、すぐに宿題をする。
When I get home, I'll do my homework right away.
Means 'before'. The clause before 前に is subordinate.
寝る前に、本を読む。
Before I sleep, I read a book.
Means 'after'. The clause before 後で is subordinate.
食べた後で、散歩する。
After I eat, I take a walk.
Expressing a condition under which the main clause occurs.
Conditional form meaning 'if'. The subordinate clause states the condition.
雨が降れば、試合は中止だ。
If it rains, the game will be canceled.
Also used for 'if' in many contexts, often more colloquial than ば.
安かったら、買う。
If it's cheap, I'll buy it.
Used for 'if' when the condition is based on the speaker's assumption or given information.
日本に行くなら、京都がいい。
If you're going to Japan, Kyoto is good.
Used for natural consequence or habitual condition, similar to 'whenever' or 'if...then'.
春になると、花が咲く。
When spring comes, flowers bloom.
Expressing that something happens despite a condition.
Means 'even if' or 'even though'. The subordinate clause is the concessive condition.
雨が降っても、行く。
Even if it rains, I'll go.
As above, expresses 'although' with a nuance of regret or surprise.
高いのに、よく売れる。
Although it's expensive, it sells well.
Can mean 'although' when attached to a verb stem, often used in written language.
彼は若いながら、立派だ。
Although he is young, he is admirable.
Expressing the purpose of an action.
Means 'in order to' or 'for the purpose of'. The subordinate clause states the purpose.
日本語を勉強するために、日本に行った。
I went to Japan in order to study Japanese.
Similar to ために but often used with potential or negative forms, or when the purpose is a state.
忘れないように、メモした。
I took a note so that I wouldn't forget.
Using a clause to modify a noun, similar to relative clauses in English.
In Japanese, relative clauses directly precede the noun without a relative pronoun. The subordinate clause modifies the noun.
昨日買った本は面白い。
The book I bought yesterday is interesting.
The English word 'subordination' as a grammatical term does not have a single direct Japanese equivalent. Instead, focus on the specific type of clause relationship you want to express.
Both mean 'because', but ので is slightly more formal and objective. から can sound more subjective or direct. In polite speech, ので is often preferred for giving reasons.
用事があるので、失礼します。
I have something to do, so please excuse me.
The te-form is extremely versatile and can imply cause, means, or sequential action. It's often the most natural way to link clauses in casual speech.
疲れて、何もできなかった。
I was tired and couldn't do anything.